finally on those of Torres Vedras, where he took up an impregnable position, from whence he defied the utmost efforts of the French to dislodge him. We have thus given many examples, from various periods of history, from different continents, and from several nations, where the armies attempting to defend rivers have always been defeated; we may therefore consider that we have established the proposition, that rivers are indefensible in war. This view of the boundary of nations will assist in an estimate of their real power: we must then carefully distinguish between the parent state and the distant continental or oceanic colonies under the same government; those are liable to be separated by political accidents, and must only be considered as temporary accessions of power. Thus a great difference exists between the native strength of Great Britain, and that empire which she has assumed over so many distant colonies. Her power over the latter may be endangered by any nation that could fire one cannon-shot more on the ocean, or whose war steamboats should manœuvre with greater skill and dexterity. How many wars would be prevented, and what a triumph would humanity gain, if, instead of that insatiable desire which all nations exhibit to extend their dominion over the most distant and dissimilar realms, they would remain content within the limits which are pointed out by reason and philosophy. THE END. LONDON: Printed by Manning and Mason, 12, Ivy Lane, Paternoster Row. |